“I will nail it next semester”—this is a common joke among Bangladeshi students. It’s funny because that “next semester” never really come

However, the enthusiasm students put into this thought is real. They have dreams, courage, and the desire to achieve big things in life. But when it comes to turning those plans into action, nothing really happens. Laziness takes hold of them.

But what if you could get your studying done while being lazy? Sounds contradictory? You actually can. All that’s needed is the right strategy.

1. Study lying down

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t always sit straight at a desk to study. Sometimes we’re lying on the bed, sometimes with our legs up on the table. And guess what? That’s totally fine. 

People might say, “Sit properly if you want to focus,” but it’s really about what works for you. If lying down makes you feel more comfortable, go for it. In fact, being relaxed can help your brain hold on to information better because you’re not busy feeling uncomfortable. So yeah—study in whatever position feels right, even if that means chilling on your bed.

2. Watch educative youtube shorts

YouTube is a goldmine for students now. You’ll find quick summaries and clear explanations on almost every subject. There are teachers and experts from all over the world making fun, easy-to-follow videos. But a lot of people don’t take advantage of it. 

Let’s be real—most of us can’t finish a plate of rice without something playing on our phone. So why not swap that random drama clip for a short lecture video and learn while you snack?

3. Highlight first, study later

This is actually a pretty good lazy method, especially for theoretical subjects. Theory can be boring and involves a lot of memorization, so to make it less tedious, just skim through your material and highlight the key points. Later, when you actually sit down to study, treat those highlights as a shortcut.

Your brain already knows where to focus, saving you time and effort. Plus, the act of highlighting gets you engaging with the material without feeling overwhelmed. You can even do it in class while the teacher is giving the lecture, saving even more time at home.

4. Combine chores and learning

Fold clothes, make cha, or wash dishes while listening to recorded lectures, audiobooks, or YouTube videos. It’s like killing two birds with one stone. You stay lazy in spirit but double your productivity. Who says you cannot learn while your hands are busy doing something else?

5. Learn from your friend

No matter how good your teacher is, there is always some kind of barrier—be it language, pace, or the way the lesson is explained.

When your friends teach you, you tend to learn better, even if their knowledge is a bit shaky. Their lessons hit your brain differently: they feel more relatable, more relaxed, and somehow easier to understand and remember. Plus, it takes less effort since you’re just sitting there listening.

Laziness doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right strategies, even relaxed, easygoing study habits can make real progress. Success is not about working harder—it’s about working smarter.